Bolivian deputy minister murdered by miners

(Vatican Radio)  Bolivia's Deputy Minister of the Interior, Rodolfo Illanes, has been abducted and beaten to death by striking miners as he attempted to negotiate with them.

Listen to James Blears' report:

Bolivia's President Evo Morales is deeply shaken with the news of Rodolfo Illanes' murder. 

Mr. Illanes, who had been appointed Deputy Interior Minister in March, had gone to the town of Panduro 130 km to the south of the capital La Paz to try and establish dialogue with striking miners, who have blocaded the main highway. 

The situation had deteriorated after two miners were shot dead on Tuesday. Riot police who tried to clear the road were driven back.

A bodyguard, who was abducted with Mr. Illanes was stripped of his gun and beaten, but managed to escape. He's being treated in a hospital in La Paz.

Mr Illanes' body has yet to be recovered.

More than 100 miners have now been arrested and five state prosecutors have been sent to town. 

The National Federation of Mining Cooperatives of Bolivia is striking for more union representation, better working conditions, and the right to work for private companies.